Points of Interest

From Our Superintendent

The Board of Directors has been involved with taking the Lewiston School District to the next step in developing a
comprehensive 9-12 high school in Lewiston since adopting the Resolution in September of 2013. Part of the journey
toward that goal has involved contracting with a new architect for the district. Board members have all participated
in the process to employ a new architectural firm. Actions that have been taken include:

Naming a selection review ad hoc committee to review all RFQs submitted. Board Members Dale Yochum and Brad Cuddy represented the Board on
the committee.

Approving the top 3 ranked firms as recommended by the Selection Review Committee (10/27/14).

Meeting in special session of the Board for the purpose of interviewing the 3 finalist firms (11/17/14).

Traveling in January to Middleton and Kuna high schools in Boise, and West Valley High School in Yakima, Washington.

Debriefing on likes/dislikes following site visits and conducting reference checks on finalist firms.

During the February 23, 2015 Board Special Session, final rankings were determined with Leatham, Krohn, Van Ocker (LKV)
Architects of Boise, with RGU Architecture and Planning of Lewiston, placing first. Architects West Inc., Coeur d’Alene,
and Design West Architects, Clarkston, placed second and third respectively. The administration is currently working with
legal counsel to develop contract language and enter into negotiations with the first place firm.

Why A New Architect
In order for the Board to meet the goal of establishing a Comprehensive Grades 9-12 High School, changes to the current
campus would be necessary or a determination would need to be made to undertake a construction project on a new site.
The Board of Directors determined the best course of action would be to contract with a new architectural firm in a
desire to engage with the community in a new endeavor to take a close look at the feasibility of remodeling the current
high school campus as well as constructing a new high school.

Local Funding Option
The Board of Directors took action in November 2014 to pursue proposing a resolution for a local option revenue enhancement
measure for school construction to the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) Convention in Boise. Board Vice President
Sheri Allen and Board Member Staci Baldwin traveled to the convention November 12-14, 2014, with the Superintendent and
Katharine McPherson, Business Services Director, to advocate for passing the resolution from the floor. Though the ISBA
delegate body did not pass Lewiston’s proposed resolution, the process sparked interest from some important allies who may
be willing to assist should the Board choose to pursue the funding measure further. Local District 6 legislators also
reviewed the proposal, and the effort to gain backing for the measure, and offered good advice that will also guide any
future efforts.